De-escalation training available for street-front retailers
The City of Toronto is offering de-escalation training sessions for street-front retailers. The sessions are geared to managers or employees who interact with the general public regularly and would like to learn strategies and skills for communicating with individuals who may be street involved or displaying agitated behaviours. Level 1 training must be completed before taking Level 2 training. Learn more and register for free.
Energy Retrofit Loan program helps building owners improve energy efficiency
The City of Toronto offers low-interest loans to help building owners improve the energy efficiency of their buildings. The City offers financing for up to 100 per cent of project costs, at a rate equal to the City’s cost of borrowing, with repayment terms of up to 20 years. All buildings located in Toronto are eligible, including commercial, retail and industrial buildings. Learn more about the program and apply.
Summerlicious 2022 program accepting applications from restaurants
Applications are being accepted from restaurants interested in participating in the Summerlicious program, which runs from August 12 to 28 this year. The renewed City of Toronto program aims to support the recovery and revival of Toronto’s restaurant industry while providing restaurant-goers with enticing experiences and delectable food. More information about Summerlicious 2022 and how restaurants can participate is available at Toronto.ca/licious. Deadline to apply is April 29.
Mobile app to help businesses find government programs and services
The federal government launched the Canada Business App to help businesses easily find government support programs and services. The mobile app provides a customized user experience to find essential information, directly interact with government resources, and tools to help entrepreneurs build their business. Find more information and download the app
Business Community News
Webinars and Online Events
Service Canada Programs and Services for Employers
April 21, 11 a.m. to noon – Register (Free)
Powered by Purpose: Investing in our Planet’s Future
April 22, 1 to 2 p.m. – Register (Free)
Social Media for Small Business
April 26, 10 to 11:30 a.m. – Register (Free)
Small Business Financing 101
May 4, 2 to 3:30 p.m. – Register (Free)
T2 Corporation Tax Literacy Seminar
May 9, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. – Register (Free)
eCommerce 101: What, Why, How
May 10, 10 to 11:30 a.m. – Register (Free)
Legal Bootcamp: How to Start & Grow Your Business
May 11, 10 to 11:30 a.m. – Register (Free)
T1 General Small Business Tax Literacy Seminar
May 13, 9:30 a.m. to noon – Register (Free)
Business Learning Hub Courses Register (Pay what you can)
Small Business Centres Ontario
On-going Online Events and e-Learning – Register (Free to $35)
Reopen Safely with Rapid Testing Kits: The City of Toronto has partnered with the Toronto Region Board of Trade to provide free COVID-19 rapid screening kits